Clooney, 49, who is active in humanitarian causes, was on hand at Chelsea Piers to accept a different honor: the Ripple of Hope Award at the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights awards dinner.

“It’s really a lovely thing,” the Oscar winner said of the recognition. “I feel over-honored, but I’m happy to be able to do it to bring attention to a lot of other people here.”

It was a family affair, as Clooney was accompanied by his father, Nick Clooney, as well as his girlfriend, Italian TV host Elisabetta Canalis, 32.

Given the actor’s popularity and interest in politics, running for president wouldn’t seem out of the question. Asked why he hasn’t yet, Clooney joked, “Because I don’t have the ties for it.”